The Diamond Hill ascent is a well-marked trail to the top of Diamond Hill. Access to the trail is gained by entering Connemara National Park at the visitor’s centre in Letterfrack. While hiking in the 12 Bens Mountain range entails considerable mountain walking experience, map reading skills, and high levels of fitness, this trail is one way to experience the dramatic mountain scenery of this region for the less experienced hiker.
Diamond Hill Trail
The hike to the summit crosses boardwalk, a well-maintained track and some stone steps. It is rated moderate and while it does entail a little scrambling over rock near the summit, the stunning views make it well worth the effort. There is also a shorter loop which brings you part of the way up the mountain over boardwalk and then returns to the visitors centre while the more adventurous branch off towards the summit. A map of the trails can be found here
There are plenty of places on the ascent to stop and take in the breathtaking views over the Atlantic coastline, towards Tully Mountain and further to County Mayo After a couple of false summits, the top of the mountain seems to arrive suddenly and with it the stunning panoramic views of the Twelve Bens Mountain Range and a bird’s eye view of Kylemore Abbey, Kylemore Lake and Lough Pollucapal.